7th Grade News

November 7, 2016 Newsletter

Dear Parents and Guardians:

The staff of Carbondale Middle School are deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of our eighth grade students over the weekend. We shared this news with CMS students and staff this morning. We want parents to be aware of how we are supporting students, and how they can help support their children through this difficult situation.

What we are doing at school to support studentsSchool counselors from CMS and the district, as well as local mental health professionals from , are providing support to students today, and will continue to be available to help our school community deal with this loss.

What you can do at home to support your childrenOur counselors suggest that it is helpful to recognize the various steps that we all go through in the grieving process: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Over the next few days, we hope that you will encourage your child to express his or her feelings and listen attentively. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact a school counselor or Mind Springs Health. Mind Springs Health also has a crisis line that is accessible anytime, 24 hours a day, at 888.207.4004.

What you can do to express your condolences and supportThe family has asked for privacy during this incredibly difficult time. Students have been invited to express their feelings by writing letters to the family and are being asked not to discuss this through social media. Families are welcome to send letters of support to CMS, and staff will deliver them to the family.

Thank you for your concern and support during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Jennifer LamontPrincipal

From the CMS Partners In Education committee:

CMS Families --

1.) Please sign up to bring FOOD for Fall Conferences for our superb staff! Use this Sign-up Genius link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090b4ea4af2ea1f49-food

2.) Wreath and Poinsettia money and orders are due Wednesday, October 26th. Help us reach our goal of 100% participation! Donations count toward participation, too!

3.) We need volunteers to help distribute Wreath and Poinsettia orders on Wednesday, November 16th. Use this Sign-up Genius link to volunteer: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090b4ea4af2ea1f49-wreath

4.) Looking ahead ...The Book Fair will be December 5 - 9! Plan to do some holiday shopping that week! The library is looking for volunteers to help, too. Interested? For more information contact Lorri: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 970.456.9958.

Science Update from Ms. RavenscraftStudents recently completed a mini-unit on Claim, Evidence & Reasoning. This mini-unit emphasized use of higher-level, critical-thinking skills, rather than focusing on content-based knowledge. Students will continue to use the Claim, Evidence & Reasoning model thru out the year to solve scientific investigations and write scientific arguments.

This week students will move into our primary topics for Quarter 2; Cell & Molecular Biology. Thru out the quarter we will learn about cellular structure and function/ cell organelles, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, the interrelatedness of these processes and their roles in global climate change.

Students will kick of the week with a cell investigation. Eggs will be soaked in vinegar for 72 hours, in order to remove their shells. Students will be left with actual, real-life cells that can be seen by the naked eye. Students will then make observations about the cell's membrane. Each lab group will receive two "naked eggs." One naked egg will be soak in corn syrup, while the second naked egg will be soaked in water. Students will monitor and compare changes to both naked eggs. Ultimately, students will draw conclusions about the structure & function of cell membranes.

Please encourage your student to bring their science journal home daily. Re-reading classroom notes on a daily basis is a great way to increase retention & comprehension of materials covered.

Math Update from Mrs. Kaufmann7th grade math is in the middle of Module 2: Operations with Rational Numbers. Class D is working on subtraction of integers and should move on to addition and subtraction of negative fractions and decimals this week. Classes A and C are in the middle of adding and subtracting negative fractions and decimals. We will take our M2 Topic A test this week on adding and subtracting rational numbers. Class B has finished their M2 Topic A test and are working on multiplying and dividing integers and rational numbers. We will do some work with order of operations before taking our M2 Topic B test before Thanksgiving break.This week’s homework will be Khan Academy, due Saturday. Classes A and B will also have a problem solving assignment this week.Thank you,Amy Kaufmann

ELA Update from Ms. BerryOver the next few weeks we will be wrapping up our unit on exploring myths. The students will create an illustrated myth and will post them on Schoology. Ask your child to share what he/she is writing and what the big lesson the main character will learn at the end of the myth.

ELD Update from Mrs. De La SalaStudents are finishing their research on the gods/goddesses. They will present to the class and the audience will write notes on the symbols and what it represents. We are reading Phaethon and analyzing the use of dialogue. Students will select from one of the readings to write a character analysis essay.